Bruting - and Koinonia ( κοινωνία ).....

The next step for a diamond is the bruting process.  This was one I was not familiar with before I started this series of posts...


Bruting is the process whereby two diamonds are set onto spinning axles turning in opposite directions, which are then set to grind against each other to shape each diamond into a round shape. This can also be known as girdling.


Diamonds are one of the toughest substances on earth.  In order to cut them you have to use another diamond.  Bruting is a very specific process.  To shape the diamond you use a diamond.  Both diamonds are shaped by the other.  The verse that immediately came to mind was Proverbs 27:17 "Iron sharpens iron, and one man sharpens another. "  In the 80's there was a song by Glad (didn't realize it was them either until I just looked it up) called "Iron Sharpens Iron" (here goes my music thing again.....).  Here are the lyrics:

Iron Sharpens Iron
Words and Music by Bob Kauflin and Ed Nalle
on Beyond a Star by Glad
Copyright 1980 Dayspring Music


The only lasting love begins with honesty
But don't become discouraged when we disagree
Lies are so appealing when you want to be my friend
But all you'll do is hurt me in the end

Iron sharpens iron
As we get closer there might be pain
Iron sharpens iron
We can never remain the same

If only we have patience while we bear the pain
Holding on, we know our hope is not in vain
For hope is not deceptive when we are not deceived
And the love of God appears when we believe

Every stone for building must be cut to size
And we as living stones must come to realize
To be changed into his likeness there's so much we must be shown
And we were never meant to grow alone

In order for this next part to make sense, I am going to insert another word here that might be familiar to you - Koinonia.  Koinonia, loosely (and not really fully) translated is "community".  It is the Greek word used in Acts when the early church is described as "having everything in common".  I am going to do this in several parts because this topic is a topic that is close to my heart in so many ways.  Koinonia, although not an end in itself, is very, very precious to me.  It is something that I have been "in search of" for a very, very long time.  It is something that God has been dealing with me on for a while as well.  I will try to disclose a little of those details in the next post.  What struck me about the diamonds and the Christian life is that we are not meant to grow alone.  God uses His people to "shape" each other.  He uses other believers to chip off our rough edges and smooth us - to help us see sin in our lives,  to encourage us, to bring us joy, to point us to Him.  It is His design.  It is His community.  And He predominately uses the body we personally belong to.  This means that whatever church you might belong to right now - He intends to use them for your good for this season of your life.  He intends to use you for your church's good in this season as well.  How willing are you to be used?  How willing are you to let Christ use those around you to speak into your life?